line officer

American  

noun

1. a military or naval officer serving with combatant units or warships, as distinguished from a staff officer, supply officer, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of line officer

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Additional training is now being rolled out to all front line officers, he says.

From BBC

The interim chief said he continues to fight the perception that “command officers get treated differently than our line officers.”

From Los Angeles Times

But front line officers are leaving because of the mental health pressures they face.

From BBC

"The district attorney needs to explain why he is indicting line officers for following orders and why no protesters who became violent with police have been charged."

From Fox News

The real change comes when police brass embrace the changes and make sure line officers understand their expectations, Scott said.

From Seattle Times